Tuesday, August 20, 2024 Portugal on High Alert as Heatwave Sparks Fire Warnings Across 40 Regions Portugal has issued severe fire warnings as the country faces its hottest temperatures on record, with 40 regions placed under red alert. British tourists planning holidays in popular resorts across Portugal are being cautioned about the extreme fire risks due to the heatwave sweeping the nation. Temperatures are expected to soar to 39°C, with the inland region of Castelo Branco expected to be particularly affected on Tuesday.
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued a maximum fire danger warning, particularly in southern municipalities, including Faro, Évora, Guarda, Setúbal, Beja, and Portalegre. These areas have been placed under a Yellow alert, with the warning in place until at least 6 PM on Wednesday, when authorities will reassess the situation. The Faro region, home to the Algarve and its popular tourist destinations like Albufeira and Lagos, is of particular concern.
The airport in Faro, the largest in southern Portugal, saw 3.2 million passengers in 2023, many of whom are British tourists. This news follows the recent evacuation of 160 people from Madeira due to forest fires.
Madeira, which has also been issued the highest level of warning by Portuguese weather authorities, saw intense fires primarily in the west of the island, with over 195 firefighters deployed to manage the blazes. Flights to Madeira have been disrupted, and airlines have delayed services as a precautionary measure while authorities continue to monitor the situation. Meteorologist Paula Leitão has warned that the fire risks in Madeira could extend to other regions as the heatwave continues through Wednesday.
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